Final Mock Draft

April 25, 2012, by 3 comments

Well, this is it, ladies and gentleman. We are less than 24 hours away from the start of the 2012 NFL Draft. As such, I thought it would be a good idea to get my final mock draft up before it all begins. I still have the Vikings taking Kalil tomorrow but after that, there are quite a few changes. Because of a lack of time and the work we’re doing to prepare for the live chat tomorrow, I wasn’t able to include any analysis this time around.

So, go check it out and leave your opinion/criticism in the comments there or the comments on this post.

Roster Expansion Is An Interesting Twist

April 25, 2012, by 6 comments

We failed to mention this earlier because so much other stuff was going on this week, but I wanted to be sure to come back to the news that broke earlier this week regarding roster limits.

The NFL announced recently that the offseason roster limit has increased from 80 players to 90.  Teams will be required to decrease to 80 players after the third preseason game, and then down to 53 on “Cut Day” after the final preseason game.

This is interesting news and could have a huge impact on strategies this year, and especially in the future.

The most obvious thing to note is that just before the season begins, the free agency market will be flooded with about 1,184 more players.  While many names could very well be no-names, this only increases the odds that teams make some signings just before week one… or shortly thereafter.

Secondly, this increases the importance of scouting and visiting with prospects considered to be later round “sleepers” or undrafted free agents with potential.  Teams will get a chance to look at ten more players in the preseason, and they are going to want to maximize the potential behind that by filling the roster to the brim with as much talent as they possibly can.

Then there is the issue of free agency.  The increased roster size may help aging veterans get a shot in training camp with a team when they previously weren’t worth giving up a roster spot for.  Conversely, teams will be going crazy to bring in undrafted free agents when the Draft ends and quarterbacks seem highly likely to be targeted even more.

Fourth, it could decrease the amount of reps taken by starters and roster locks in training camp and in the preseason.  After all, there are 10 more guys that now need reps.  This could be good from a wear and tear standpoint, but could also be viewed as a negative from a preparation standpoint.

The increase, overall, should be viewed as a positive by teams.  There is a lot of value in being allowed to develop a first-hand file on 10 extra players per year, even if they don’t stand a chance of making the team.

Minneapolis Joins In On Stadium Fun

April 25, 2012, by 4 comments

A contentious stadium debate took place Tuesday night at a Minneapolis City Council meeting.

The symbolic vote is used as a signal to the State Legislature that the City of Minneapolis has enough support for the bill to make it worth passing at the State level.  The plan calls to use $150 million for the initial construction of the stadium and calls for them to kick in another $198 million for operations.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s proposal uses an existing sales tax to fund the City’s portion of the costs, and this point was of particular controversy Tuesday night as many feel strongly that a financial decision like this has to be decided by a public vote.  Rybak’s plan bypasses that vote.

The plan was voted on and passed by a count of seven to six.

The Vikings have now cleared yet another hurdle on their way to getting this thing done.

Watching Spielman’s Presser

April 24, 2012, by 4 comments

Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman held a pre-Draft press conference Tuesday and he touched on a number of hot topics.

The whole thing can be viewed by clicking here.

I have watched it a few times now, and here are my notes:

Continue Reading →

Stadium Bill Gains Unprecedented Momentum

April 24, 2012, by 4 comments

Vikings fans traditionally are not a fan of Roger Goodell.  After his visit at the end of last week seemingly resuscitated the Vikings stadium bill, the bill now has momentum of the likes we Vikings fans have not seen before.

In the State Senate, the bill was passed along without any drama by the Senate Jobs and Economic Development Committee and up next is the Senate Finance Committee.  Finance could be the last stop for the bill before it goes to the floor for an actual vote, unless it is decided that it also must travel to the Taxes Committee.  The truth is that all stadium hopes could die an instant death at the hands of any of these committees, but all media reports seem to indicate a vote is in the near future.

In the House, where the bill appeared dead on arrival just over one week ago, the bill is rocketing back to life and it is being reported that a vote could come as soon as Wednesday.

Whatever Goodell said to the State officials last week seemed to do the trick, but don’t uncork that champagne bottles yet, Minnesotans.

Jerome Simpson Signs With Vikings

April 24, 2012, by 19 comments

Jay Glazer of FoxSports.com reports the Vikings have signed wide receiver Jerome Simpson to a one year deal. This news comes right after it was reported that Simpson would be facing a three game suspension this season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. According to ESPN, Simpson “was sentenced earlier this month to 15 days in jail and three years’ probation after pleading guilty to a felony drug charge in Kentucky.” Originally, Simpson received a felony charge of marijuana trafficking after it was found out that two pounds of marijuana were shipped to his home. However, Simpson was able to get the charges reduced to “a prohibited act relating to controlled substances.”

The full details of the deal are unknown at this point. As soon as they become available, we will provide another update. Considering Simpson’s recent legal issues and his three game suspension, one would imagine the contract is very small and lined with clauses.

If Simpson manages to turn a page and stay out of trouble, he could provide the Vikings with the deep threat they’ve needed to stretch the field.

Mock, Mock! Who’s There?

April 24, 2012, by 5 comments

Well, with only a little more than 48 hours until the 2012 NFL Draft is underway, I decided to pull the plug on any last minute changes to my 2012 Mock Draft a little early and call for a final version right now.

My final mock draft of the year is two rounds deep and can be viewed right here.

My top three picks have stayed exactly the same since I posted my first version on January 10th.  Andrew Luck, RGIII, and then Matt Kalil to the Vikings.  I still think there is a very good chance that Rick Spielman attempts a coup and trades back from the three spot, but the mock does not account for trades… or else things would get way too messy.

In the second round, I eschewed the stereotypical need based pick of a receiver or secondary talent and instead went with a guy I felt was clearly the best player available.  Here is a hint:  It’s a defensive tackle.

I know defensive tackle isn’t the biggest need on this roster, but it also isn’t the most solid position on this team either, and I just couldn’t pass up this particular prospect when the mock worked out the way it did.

Anyways, here is the link again, check it out… scrutinize it… and then come back on Thursday and Friday to laugh at how horribly wrong my mock was.